The federal government today announced the distribution of almost $4.9 billion in COVID-19 relief funds directly to skilled nursing facilities, the first specific tranche of stimulus money for the industry released since the start of the pandemic. HHS will make relief fund distributions to SNFs based on both a fixed basis and variable basis. Each SNF will receive a fixed distribution of $50,000, plus a distribution of $2,500 per bed. All certified SNFs with six or more certified beds are eligible for this targeted distribution.

Nursing home recipients must attest that they will only use Provider Relief Fund payments for permissible purposes, as set forth in the Terms and Conditions, and agree to comply with future government audit and reporting requirements. The funds may be used for COVID-related costs and revenue losses.

The Department of Public Health has released updated Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance (insert link) for healthcare facilities. The updated guidance expands on the use of N95 and KN95 respirator masks as well recommendations for isolation gown use due to shortages of disposable isolation gowns.

Nursing Facility Attestation and COVID-19 Baseline Testing Report Due on Monday, May 25th by 11:59pm